K-Kids Focus on Leaving Past Behind Them

If one were to look at Northampton football’s 2012 campaign they might not their subpar record.

However head coach Jeff Brosky focuses on another fascinating figure.

“Last year what a lot of people don’t realize is that eight of our 11 opponents qualified for postseason play. Whether it be league or district play, they were playing football when it mattered the most.”

Brosky is entering his second year as the leader of the Konkrete Kids on the gridiron. His inaugural season resulted in a 1-8 record in the LVC and a 2-9 record overall. Their two victories came against Stroudsburg in their season opener and also Bethlehem Catholic.

Brosky has one simple goal in mind to improve that record and the team in 2013.

“Improvement,” he said while enjoying a small serving of Rita’s Italian Ice during a team lunch between practice sessions. “We want to improve in all positions. We have five returners on each side of the ball, so there are six positions [available] on each side of the ball. That leaves for a lot of opportunities. There are a lot of kids coming up from the jayvees that are battling for spots.”

There may be more newcomers than returners on this squad, but the returners have one key asset: experience. Coming back for their senior season are a plethora of players. Headlining the group is quarterback Nick Cook and tight end/linebacker Dylan Cook. Also, taking the field this fall is Blake Bowehm, Jake DeAngeles and Jared Bauer.

Brosky admitted that the team’s weaknesses are at the wide receiver and cornerback positions, but he is confident about his group of lineman that are returning, all of whom are seniors. Chris Torres, Landon Luis, Justin Berger, Matt Pavkovits and James Youwakim are all members of the Class of 2014 and will be battling in the trenches in their farewell season.

Optimism is all around Northampton’s training camp this summer with strong returners and promising newcomers in Ty Marinelli, Dalton Hammer and Logan Colver. Brosky is poised to make a playoff push.

“I want to win enough games to qualify for postseason play. That has been the goal of this senior class. We want to be in postseason play and be in playoff situations. It has been since 2008 since Northampton has been in postseason situations and we are looking to get back in to it.”

Northampton had a rough schedule in 2012 and it doesn’t get any easier in 2013. With all home contests being played at Nazareth’s Andrew S. Leh Stadium, due to construction on their stadium, home-field advantage is virtually eliminated. Also, the schedule is back-loaded for the K-Kids with Whitehall, Liberty and Catty in three of their last four games. They will need to win early and often to compete for the right to play in December.